1983 Fonseca
Posted: 00:34 Mon 22 Dec 2014
It looked very pale in the funnel but a bright clean colour which decanted very cleanly, almost no wastage. The colour while light showed no browning, with clarity and a glow at the centre. Strong and long legs down the side of the glass. A bit woody but mainly aniseed on the nose. Delicately flavoured with a little more heat than might be ideal but very interesting palate of aniseed and clove. Red fruit, acidity, very toothsome and coating the mouth with flavour. The heat did simmer down with a few more hours open.
I am reluctant to score this wine as it would score low but I am fond of this style. So unlike the 85 but a lesser wine? If it could be found cheaply (it's Fonseca, who am I kidding) it is worth having a few. I doubt it will change dramatically over 20 years, but probably around it's peak now.
I am reluctant to score this wine as it would score low but I am fond of this style. So unlike the 85 but a lesser wine? If it could be found cheaply (it's Fonseca, who am I kidding) it is worth having a few. I doubt it will change dramatically over 20 years, but probably around it's peak now.